In light of These Economic Times, international retailers are cutting back on their couture diets. Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing and Bergdorf Goodman senior vice-president Linda Fargo told WWD they’re skipping the couture shows in Paris, which run from January 26 to 29. Less than a month — get excited with us. Saks Fifth Avenue senior vice-president Joseph Boitano said he’ll make a decision about whether to show Saks’ face on January 1. Barneys fashion director Julie Gilhart plans to focus on pre-collections when she travels to Europe next month to reduce expenses.
As for editors, Vogue’s Anna Wintour will go, obviously, along with Sally Singer and Sarah Mower. (What 5 percent Condé Nast cutbacks?) Elle is sending its market director, and Harper’s Bazaar editor Glenda Bailey will go, quite possibly by her lonesome (the magazine wouldn’t confirm if someone would go with her). Glamour and Marie Claire aren’t sending anybody. And the couture houses are still unable to confirm what attendance levels would be like. We can’t believe anyone would give up a seat at a couture show. So, couture publicists, holler if you need some bloggers up in there to fill those seats. We promise to freak out on the inside only.
